Science, Innovation and Culture

"Regarding research and innovation, in the US one mentions China - and in China, the US. Nobody mentions Europe." This is how Dr. Martin Schuurmans, president of the EIT, summarized his assessment of Europe’s lacking power for innovation. Moreover, the term "innovation" can not be limited to scientific insights, to the latest technologies and to economic growth, but must simultaneously include societal and cultural breakthroughs. Innovations are, therefore, dependent on context that is culturally beneficial and challenging. Scientific excellence by itself is not enough. Only if science acknowledges its responsibility, can it achieve global outreach and enter a socially relevant discourse. The discussion of ethical, social and economic dimensions within the scientific community and the public dialog about them will make science even more valuable.